Awka, Nigeria – The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed counterfeit, substandard, and falsified pharmaceutical products seized during a recent enforcement operation in Onitsha and Aba.
The illicit drugs, valued at ₦1 trillion, were incinerated at the Anambra State Waste Management Agency’s dump site in Awka on Friday, following strict disposal protocols.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC’s Director-General, who oversaw the destruction, emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to eradicating fake drugs from Nigeria’s markets. Represented by Dr. Martin Iluyomade, Director of Southeast Zonal Operations, she expressed deep concern over the quantity of banned psychoactive substances discovered, warning that such an influx could destabilize an entire nation.
“Fake medicines result in treatment failures, preventable deaths, and severe economic losses, particularly for vulnerable patients,” Adeyeye stated. “We discovered drugs meant for pregnant women, which require cold storage, being kept in oven-hot conditions—contributing to Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate.”
The operation, which led to the temporary closure of drug markets in the region, marks a significant step in NAFDAC’s intensified war against substandard and falsified pharmaceutical products. Adeyeye assured the public that while the one-month operation had officially ended, enforcement efforts would continue until counterfeit drugs are eradicated.
She commended the Federal Government, state authorities, security agencies, and the media for their collaboration in the large-scale operation.
Mr. Mike Ozoemena, Managing Director of the Anambra State Waste Management Agency, representing the Anambra State Government, praised NAFDAC’s swift action, acknowledging that the agency balanced public safety with minimizing disruption for traders.
“Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration fully supports all efforts to protect public health,” Ozoemena stated.
The destruction exercise was carried out under the supervision of officials from the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to ensure transparency and accountability.
This landmark operation reinforces NAFDAC’s stance on ensuring that only safe, certified, and effective medicines reach the Nigerian public.
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